The Military Stakes in the War in Ukraine: An Illusory Stalemate?
The Ukrainian counter-offensive, which was supposed to result in a major breakthrough in 2023, came up against solid Russian defenses and ended in failure.
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the positions of both belligerents have become entrenched, and the situation looks like a stalemate. However, appearances are deceptive: this conflict is not frozen. Both the Russians and the Ukrainians are in the process of “reloading” their forces, and neither side has lost sight of its goals.
Yohann Michel is research analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Olivier Schmitt is professor at the Center for War Studies (University of Southern Denmark).
Élie Tenenbaum is director of Ifri's Security Studies Center.
Article published in Politique étrangère, Vol. 89, No. 1, Spring 2024.
